Borger Community Blood Drive coming up Jan. 17

January 8, 2013

By

Michelle Berry, Managing Editor

January is National Blood Donor Month. In the spirit of this month, local residents are encouraged to come out and give the gift of life.
The Borger Community Blood Drive is set to take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Union Hall here in Borger, located at 111 East Coolidge.
All eligible donors who present to donate will receive a M*A*S*H* 2013 shirt in appreciation for giving the gift of life.
A photo ID or donor card is required, and donors must be at least 17 years of age to participate.
Those wishing to make an appointment can call 331-8800 or 1-877-574-8800. However, walk-ins are also welcome.
According to Suzanne Talley of CMBC, all blood types are currently needed.
â€śThe need is real. There is no substitute for blood,â€ť she said. â€śIt can only come from volunteer blood donors. Please support the patients of the High Plains Region. Give the gift of life!â€ť
The center can be found on Facebook, Twitter, and at www.thegiftoflife.org.
According to the American Red Cross, Southern Blood Services Region, the month of January has been dedicated as National Blood Donor Month to thank those who make a difference in their community by donating blood.
Blood has a shelf life of only around 42 days and must continually be replenished. Every two seconds, someone in the United States has a need for blood. It can be safely donated every 56 days.
At CMBC, donors will probably meet the medical requirements to donate blood if they meet the following requirements:
â€˘In good health
â€˘At least 17 years old
â€˘Weigh at least 115 pounds
Some reasons you may be deferred are as follows:
â€˘Anemia
â€˘High blood pressure at time of donation
â€˘Recent cold or flu
â€˘Have risk factors for hepatitis or HIV/AIDS
â€˘Recent infection
â€˘Pregnancy
â€˘Recent sexually transmitted disease
â€˘Recent travel to a malarial disease area
â€˘Melanoma, leukemia, or lymphoma or recent diagnosis of cancer
â€˘Untreated heart or lung disease
â€˘Injection of drugs not prescribed by your doctor